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Partners in Pregnancy and Parenting (PiPP) is an initiative of the Indian River Healthy Start Coalition and the Indian River Medical Center. It is funded in part by the United Way of Indian River county.

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This internet blog provides information of a general nature and is designed for the purpose of education, and information. If you have any concerns about your health or the health of your baby, you should always consult with a physician or other healthcare professional.

Keep up your strengthStaying active could give you an advantage when it comes time to deliver, According to the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG), regular exercise during pregnancy can improve your ability to cope with the pain of labor, as well as speed your recovery afterward. As long as your doctor or midwife approves, you should try to do 30 minutes of activity (such as walking, swimming or prenatal yoga) on most, if not all, days of the week.

Don’t blow off birth classChildbirth education classes teach you what to expect during labor and delivery as well as techniques for easing the pain…information that could help you make good choices and possibly even avoid a C-section. Join us for two Tuesdays in May…as we discuss labor and Birth

Tuesday May 4th and May 18th

5:30 at Partners

snacks provided…bring your partner or a friend!

Be open-mindedWhile it’s good to have an idea of the kind of birth you want, you never know how labor and delivery will go. So know your options and go with the flow. If what you’re doing isn’t working to manage your pain or facilitate your labor, keep trying different things until you find something that does. Likewise, if you want an un-medicated delivery and you end up getting an epidural, don’t beat yourself up. Remember: It doesn’t really matter how you get there as long as you have a healthy baby in your arms at the end.

Get tuned inStaying focused, especially when the contractions become more intense and it comes time to push, could help you handle the pain better and be more productive. Minimize distractions by turning off your cell phone . Instead, turn on some good music and tune into your body. In the weeks before your due date, pick out some CDs or put together a playlist of songs that will help keep you calm and centered.

Stay vertical Research has found that women who spend labor in upright positions tend to have less pain and shorter labors. Staying out of bed as much as possible and letting gravity assist can help move the process along. During the first stage of labor, walking around and sitting in a Jacuzzi or on a birthing ball are great ideas.

Change positionsIf you want to keep labor from stalling, don’t stay in one position too long, Instead, keep shifting around as often as you can, or at least every 30 minutes. If you’re stuck in bed because you’re being induced with Pitocin or getting an epidural, you can still get really creative and try different things. Talk to your labor nurse, midwife or doctor to find out your best options.

Soak it upSitting in a tub of warm water can help you relax and lessen the pain of your contractions. The buoyancy of the water also can make it easier for you to move around and change positions. At the very least, you should have access to a shower where you can sit on a stool and let warm water run over your breasts and abdomen, which not only feels good but can help stimulate contractions.

BreatheWhether you’re taking deep inhales or short, quick breaths, controlled breathing can prevent you from tensing up (which makes the pain worse) and help you make the most of each contraction. The key is to find breathing patterns that calm you down, keep you focused and give you a feeling of control. Often breathing in through the nose to a count of four…and out through the mouth can really relax and slow down your whole central nervous system…allowing your body to labor more effectively.